Research at the interface of ecology and engineering

We rely heavily on our environment for resources such as fresh water, energy and food etc. This dependence is increasing as the human population grows rapidly. However, some of the major advances in technology and engineering that have enabled and sustained this population growth have inadvertently caused widespread environmental damage. One particular example is the growth of agriculture to feed the growing population, particularly in expanding urban conurbations. It has resulted in polluted lakes and rivers, reflected in large-scale algal blooms representing a process caused eutrophication. Eutrophication is bad for many reasons – the water quality is poor, smells bad and natural ecosystem structure and function is destroyed. But there may be a hidden opportunity – algae is a potential source of biofuel, fertiliser, biomass and animal feed.

Catalyst Aims:

Collate existing data on eutrophic systems

Select sites for pilot-scale algal harvesting

Develop partnerships by adding specific cross-disciplinary expertise

Funding goals:

Pilot scale investigations of a low energy algal harvesting device for the restoration of eutrophic waters